BOOK REVIEWS Clinical Consultant Physical

Assessment Manual (2nd ed) Author: Dr Nikita Vizniak

Publisher: Professional Health Systems ISBN: 0973274255 Cost: $38 US To buy visit:

http://www.prohealthsys.com/catalog/pr oduct_info.php?products_id=28

Review author: By Joan Watt, MA, MCSP, MSMA

Overview and purpose: The book is intended as a quick reference guide for healthcare students, practitioners, doctors and instructors. It is also intended to be a study guide for those preparing for National Board Exams, State/Province Board Exams, Clinical Skills Examinations and many other standardised examinations aimed at the North American market but the content is equally applicable for the UK. Target audience: As stated above this reference guide is suitable for all levels of health care practitioner from the

student to the qualified. There are many parts that will not come within the scope of practice of particular disciplines but they

are still useful for obtaining information. It is important that the reader

appreciates the "how to use this book and legal disclaimer" printed on the inside of the front cover. This book is not meant to be a replacement for training or experience. Key features: The page on book layout very easily introduces the reader to the main features. Page title, Subject title, Chapter find Icon, and Tab are all demonstrated. These make the book easy to negotiate and very helpful to access whatever the reader wishes to check. I particularly liked the examination flow pages, leading to the specific area tests which are listed alphabetically. Book style: Definite reference book. Table of contents starts with history and records, physical examination, neurological examination, spinal, upper and lower extremity orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, myology upper and lower body. This is followed by body composition and nutrition, manual medicine rehabilitation, electrotherapy, athletic taping, malingering orthopaedics, medication and something I have not seen used here at all, ICD-10 Codes. All in all this entire book gives an extremely comprehensive quick tour to cover most specialities. Overall opinion: A very well compiled reference book touching on many subjects. A good addition to the shelf as long as the reader is aware that as the author has said it is no substitute for training or experience. Rating: Very useful quick reference guide, worthwhile having on the shelf.

Fit to Play Tennis: Practical Tips to Optimise Training and Performance

Authors: Carl Petersen and Nina Nittinger

Publisher: Racquet Tech Publishing 2006 ISBN: 0972275959 Price: £9.74

To buy visit: www.amazon.co.uk

Review author: Lynda Daley, MCSP, Member of HPC, MSMA

Overview and purpose: This small format, spiral bound handbook has been co-authored by Carl Petersen; who is a physiotherapist and fitness, tennis and ski coach and Nina Nittinger; a former WTA Tour player, tennis coach and sports psychologist. Target audience: Although written specifically for tennis players, this book is an excellent resource for physiotherapists, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and parents. Key features: ‘Fit to Play’ serves as a great introductory manual that offers a wide variety of practical information and specific guidelines on a number of topics including warm/cool

down routines, injury treatment and prevention, over training and recovery

guidelines, nutritional concerns, mental training and tournament preparation. Additionally, it considers topics that are less commonly covered within training books for athletes, including jet lag, environmental concerns and vision training. Book style: This well organised and comprehensive publication includes many photographs to explain warm-up and stretching exercises and also incorporates plenty of blank pages for the reader to write their own notes as they go through the sections. The index is comprehensive and clearly outlines the contents within each of the sections of this handbook. Overall opinion: This is designed to fit conveniently into a player’s racquet bag but is also a fascinating and informative read for any individual who is involved with the sport of tennis, irrespective of whether their players are recreational or international athletes.

22 www.sportex.net